These are all things Wisconsinites expect each year when winter descends on the Badger State.

While residents may be familiar with these conditions, many consumers aren’t doing everything they can to protect themselves from these circumstances and the expensive bills that can result — particularly when it comes to cars.

According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, the state uses more than 500,000 tons of salt each winter to treat roadways.

All that salt, freeze thaw cycles and bitter cold can all take a heavy toll on our investments in our cars. But there are simple steps that can be taken to at least minimize winter’s abuse. …